Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce says some of the "mass hysteria" around his side after a "bad week" is "unjust and unfair".
The defeat by City left Newcastle 12th in the Premier League.
"All the fans are like we are, we have to accept where we are. It is as pretty straightforward as that," said Bruce.
Newcastle lost 5-2 at Leeds United and drew 1-1 with Fulham before the quarter-final defeat by Brentford.
They host Premier League leaders Liverpool in their next game on Wednesday before third-placed Leicester come to St James' Park on 3 January.